Shrewsbury author finds school visit full of suspense
A Shrewsbury author had a suspenseful visit to a town primary school this week after children invited him to read their own scary stories.
Jamie Russell, author of the sci-fi Skywake trilogy, visited Coleham Primary School earlier this week to hold an assembly, sign books, and give students feedback on their work. Around sixty stories from Year 5 were written on the theme of ‘suspense’ and the children asked their teachers to reach out to Jamie as a local author to get his thoughts on them.
Jamie Russell says, "I’ve visited lots of schools across the UK since becoming a children’s author, but I don’t think I’ve ever been directly invited by the children themselves. It was a real honour. Year 5 created some amazing suspense stories that left my nerves absolutely frayed. After reading stories about creepy Santas, vicious Pokemon, and closet dwelling monsters, I had to check under the bed before going to sleep!
"We have some really talented young writers in Shrewsbury and all credit to Coleham Primary School for encouraging a love of reading and writing so brilliantly. They really do deserve their recent Outstanding rating from Ofsted."
Jamie’s debut novel Skywake was published in 2021 by Walker Books and was instantly chosen as a ‘Future Classic’ by reading charity Booktrust, with almost 20,000 copies sent to schools across the UK as part of their School Library Pack 2021/22 to encourage reading for pleasure.
A hit with reluctant readers aged 9-12, Skywake is a fast-paced and suspenseful action adventure about aliens, videogames, and what it means to be a leader. Since then Jamie has published two Skywake sequels and his next book – Mech Brigade, a sci-fi adventure about child soldiers piloting giant robots – comes out in June.
Tracy Othen from Coleham Primary School said: "Year 5 were looking for an exciting reason to write suspense stories and George Gilchrist (9) came up with the goods! Turning to Mrs Stennett he said I’m reading this great book and I know the author so let’s send them to him! And they did!
"When Jamie visited he gave a fascinating talk to Year 5 & 6 looking at the connection between video games and reading. We had never thought of the similarities before of immersing yourself in an imaginary world and progressing through the levels/chapters.
"He also showed us the original Space Invaders and The Hobbit games and explained how reading the book of The Hobbit helped him beat the game. The children were left buzzing with excitement."
